Ellen Ripley Costume
Channel the ultimate sci-fi survivor in her iconic Nostromo flight suit.
Ellen Ripley from the Alien franchise is one of cinema's greatest sci-fi protagonists, making her a legendary choice for Halloween or cosplay. Her signature look centers on a rugged, patch-adorned Nostromo flight suit or jumpsuit. It is a powerful, practical, and instantly recognizable outfit that shows you are ready to face any Xenomorph.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $45–120
Try it on
See yourself as Ellen Ripley
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Ellen Ripley costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Ellen Ripley costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Olive Drab Flight Suit
A long-sleeve cotton or polyester utility jumpsuit in olive green or khaki with a front zipper.
DIY: Use olive green scrub pants and a matching long-sleeve utility shirt tucked in.
Nostromo Patches
Embroidered patches including the Weyland-Yutani logo, the Nostromo ship patch, and a USCM flag.
DIY: Print the logos onto iron-on transfer paper and apply them to scrap fabric, then pin them on.
Blue Crewneck T-Shirt
A simple, fitted cotton crewneck t-shirt in heather blue or grey to wear underneath the unzipped jumpsuit.
Black Combat Boots
Sturdy, lace-up black military or combat boots, slightly scuffed for a worn-in look.
DIY: Use any dark, heavy-duty work boots or hiking boots you already own.
Toy Pulse Rifle or Flamethrower
A prop replica of the iconic M41A Pulse Rifle or a custom-made flamethrower.
DIY: Modify a toy water blaster with matte black and olive drab spray paint.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Ellen Ripley costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the blue crewneck t-shirt as your base layer.
- 2
Step into the olive green flight suit and zip it up halfway, letting the blue undershirt show at the chest.
- 3
Attach the Nostromo and Weyland-Yutani patches to the shoulders and chest of the jumpsuit using iron-on adhesive or safety pins.
- 4
Roll up the sleeves of the flight suit slightly to mid-forearm for a rugged, working-class look.
- 5
Tuck the cuffs of the jumpsuit pants into your black combat boots and lace them up tightly.
- 6
Carry your prop pulse rifle or flamethrower to complete the Xenomorph-hunting aesthetic.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup minimal and natural, adding a few smudges of dark grey or brown eyeshadow to your cheeks and forehead to simulate spaceship grease. Style your hair in tight, messy curls or a short, voluminous 1980s perm style.
Ellen Ripley for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with someone dressed as a Xenomorph, a Weyland-Yutani corporate suit, or Corporal Hicks.
- group
- Form a crew with Dallas, Lambert, Kane, and a cat carrier containing a plush Jonesy the cat.
- kids
- A miniature green flight suit with a plush Facehugger toy attached to their shoulder.
- Plus size
- Utility flight suits with elastic waistbands offer a comfortable, adjustable, and highly authentic fit.
- pet
- Dress your cat as Jonesy by simply letting them be, or put a small Xenomorph costume on a dog.
Tips
- To make the jumpsuit look authentic, wash it a few times and lightly scuff the knees and elbows with sandpaper.
- Carry a plush orange cat to represent Jonesy, Ripley's beloved feline companion.
- Keep your hands free at parties by adding a tactical shoulder strap to your prop weapon.
Ellen Ripley costume FAQ
- What color is Ellen Ripley's jumpsuit?
- In the original 1979 Alien, her Nostromo flight suit is a faded olive green or sage green color, while in Aliens she wears a more greyish-khaki utility suit.
- How do I make a cheap DIY Ripley costume?
- Get a basic olive green utility jumpsuit, print out the Nostromo patches on paper to tape or pin on, wear a blue t-shirt underneath, and carry a painted toy blaster.
- What patches does Ripley have on her suit?
- She wears the circular Nostromo crew patch on her right shoulder, the Weyland-Yutani 'W' logo on her left breast, and a US flag on her left shoulder.
Did you know? Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Ellen Ripley in Aliens (1986) earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, which was landmark recognition for a female lead in a sci-fi action film.